OUTLOOK: The disturbance near Mexico's Yucatan has moved into the Gulf of Mexico, where it remains disorganized. Forecasters still expect it to intensify into a tropical depression or storm within the next day or two. A hurricane hunter aircraft is scheduled to investgate the system on Thursday afternoon if necessary, the National Hurricane Center said.

Where it ultimately will go remains up in the air, as it could be trapped in the Gulf for a few days, the result of weak steering currents.

WHAT FLORIDA CAN EXPECT: Moisture associated with the system could produce rain in South and Central Florida, starting as early as Sunday. If the core moves in this direction, the rain potentially could be heavy, the National Weather Service said.

More immediately, the disturbance threatens to cause more flooding and mud slides in eastern Mexico, which was swamped by Tropical Storms Ingrid and Manuel on Monday.

PARTICULARS: At 2 a.m. Thursday the National Hurricane Center continuted to give the low-pressure area a 70 percent - or high - chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm over the next two days and an 80 percent chance developing over the next five days.